Abstract:

This paper presents an ongoing case study of an interdisciplinary individualized undergraduate degree program (IDP) developed within the context of an institutional student success initiative. The program, designed with an emancipatory learning framework, places student success at the forefront and aims to address the needs of students seeking unique and creative degree programs and those lacking a clear pathway to graduation. By providing students with the opportunity to design their own degree plan, tailored to meet their specific educational goals, the program empowers them to take ownership of their learning journey. Moreover, it serves as an incubator for innovative degree pathways and new academic programs, fostering a culture of exploration and intellectual growth.

The IDP program offers students the opportunity to fuse multiple fields of study and create a distinctive degree program that prepares them to enter the workforce with a unique perspective and a diverse set of skills. Through a combination of coursework in two or more areas of emphasis, students engage in an interdisciplinary exploration, gaining a deep understanding of diverse disciplines and fostering critical thinking skills. Unlike traditional degree programs, the IDP enables students to customize their degree, integrating areas of interest and creating a pathway tailored to their individual aspirations. The program's core curriculum supports degree integration, helping students synthesize their learning, develop interdisciplinary competence, and explore various career possibilities.

As the IDP program is in its early stages of implementation, this case study highlights the program's goals, structure, and anticipated outcomes, highlighting the transformative potential of the program. It explores the experiences of students who have enrolled in the IDP, examining their motivations, challenges, and successes in pursuing their education. The study also investigates the support mechanisms and resources provided to facilitate students' success, such as academic advising, mentoring, and collaboration with faculty members. This study provides valuable insights for institutions seeking to develop individualized degree programs. It underscores the importance of embracing student agency, fostering innovation, and providing tailored pathways to meet the diverse needs and aspirations of undergraduate students.

Keywords:

Individualized Degree Program, Interdisciplinary Studies, Emancipatory Learning, Undergraduate Education, High Education, High Impact Practices.